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A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 11:25 pm
by RJeNg
Hello there, I?m rather new to Lotus (but not to a different marque of GRP car!). Having rashly bought a 1970 Elan+2S blind (from France: long story) for my wife a year ago (will I ever learn?), we have taken it to a few local car events this summer, where it has been admired: it looks good from 6ft away.
We have now decided that its restoration will be my retirement project. The car just about runs with a worn top end, and at some stage in the past has been given a Lotus replacement galvanised chassis (probably about the time that evident front n/s accident damage was (poorly) repaired).
Whilst I am very comfortable with spanners and have experience lifting off GRP bodies, I have no experience of GRP repairs (but might have a go) ? however I will definitely need professional help with shaping and painting. I have seen glowing Forum reviews of SMS in Lincolnshire and am aware of Foulds in Huddersfield, but I would be very grateful if anyone can suggest names of any recommended GRP paint shops closer to the northeast of England.
Many thanks

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 4:20 pm
by normand
I can't recommend any local painters as I do my own but if you want to tackle the repairs yourself then have a look at East Coast Fibreglass at South Shields, they have everything you need at reasonable prices and loads of advice and fact sheets . Well worth a visit . Norman .

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 4:45 pm
by deryck
hello roger
welcome

Paul at SMS is brilliant
your welcome to see any of my cars he has painted,
let me know if you need his mobile,
best of luck!

kind regards,
Deryck

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:14 pm
by jono
Roger,

I've been through the whole 'nut and bolt' Plus 2 process and am not too far away from you (Brampton, Carlisle) so if you want to discuss or come over for a chat let me know.

I also had a JPS +2 which I sold to a friend in Carlisle and he's currently restoring it and making a fantastic job. His shell is at SMS and is due for return shortly so you could come over and have a look when it's back in Cumbria shortly.

I think the main point is with something as critical and costly to restore as a Lotus bodyshell don't be tied to a local firm - go where you need to in order to get the result you require.

Jon

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 9:34 pm
by RJeNg
Many thanks for your replies.
I probably need to study some carefully renovated cars to give me an understanding of originality, and to meet some more owners: any information about owner groups in the north would be gratefully appreciated?
Thank you for your suggestion that I might visit Brampton, Jon: perhaps myself and my wife could come over in our Lotus (hopefully it would get there) before the roads become salted in late November.

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 1:36 pm
by jono
Roger, of course - anytime,

Just PM me if you fancy a trip over.

Here's mine on it's first trip out after a seven year restoration (I was busy setting up a business at the same time so it should not have taken that long!)

Jon

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 3:07 pm
by Hawksfield
Roger

PM sent

Re: A tired Elan moves into Northumberland, UK

PostPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 4:10 pm
by RichardHawkins
Roger,

I agree with Jono. The most important thing is the quality of work. Having someone conveiniently close becomes insignificant if you have to do the work again. I made this mistake with engine machine shop work.

On fibre glass Brian Buckland speaks well of Option 1. I think they are in the Birmingham area.

Richard Hawkins